Requirements

Note-taking materials. Power for laptops may not be available at all venues.

Shooting classes

You must be able to legally possess firearms (must not be a “prohibited person” according to federal and state definitions).

Everything in “All classes” above, plus:

Safe, quality gun. If you don’t have the kind the class requires, arrangements can be made for certain types of guns. Please get in touch as far in advance as possible!

Spare gun: if you have one, bring it in case your primary breaks down. It does happen, even to Glocks.

Quality strong-side belt or IWB (inside the waistband) holster that completely encloses the trigger guard and whose mouth does not collapse when the gun is removed, and a sturdy belt to carry it. For safety reasons, fanny packs, cross draw, shoulder, and SOB (small of back) holsters are not allowed. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Magazines or speed loaders. Minimum 3, more is better but not required.

Magazine pouch/holder for magazines or speed loaders

Sturdy belt, to support the above

Eye protection

Hearing protection, active recommended

Hat with a brim/bill

Quality, reliable ammunition. Range ammo (FMJ, etc.) is fine, premium self defense ammo isn’t required. Self-reloaded ammo is not recommended and will be pulled from the line if it induces two or more malfunctions as it simply isn’t fair to everyone else to repeatedly stop classes to deal with it.

Range- and weather-appropriate clothing, including sturdy, stable, closed-toe footwear. No v-neck, tank, or low-cut tops—hot metal shell casings down the front of your shirt isn’t fun or safe. In intermediate and advanced defensive classes, you’ll probably get dirty and may ruin clothing. Outdoor live-fire classes run rain or shine!

Sunscreen is strongly recommended for outdoor classes

Completed emergency medical form (will be provided when you register)

Note: You’re strongly encouraged to bring and use the gear you’ll have immediately available in your day-to-day life. If you don’t normally wear a drop-leg holster, chest rig, dump pouch, 6 magazines, etc. but use them in classes, you’ll be conditioning yourself to count on resources you won’t have and neglecting the ones you will should the need arise, which is a double loss. There’s a natural tendency to want to feel like you’re doing well in class and arrange your gear to achieve that goal, but class is about learning new things, not to pass a test of things you already know. You’ll get the most out of your training if you keep things as realistic as possible, within acceptable safety parameters, and build skills that will serve you better in your real life in the real world. That said, if you’re an armed professional, bring your duty rig! Whatever you train with, keep it realistic for the context of your life.